Virgin Atlantic & London

For years I've heard that Sir Richard Branson's airline Virgin Atlantic, was a cut above the rest that fly across to England. I'd taken British Airways a couple of times and it reminded me of a Greyhound Bus in the sky - with an accent. But I was a virgin on Virgin One airport that consistently wins the worst airport in the world is London's Heathrow. But Virgin is an Oasis in that British bedlam. At terminal 3 the check-in and, if you are flying Upper Class (Virgin's version of business class) you get fast track (coming and going) which means avoiding ques (or lines) and being able to spend time in their amazing airport lounge, Virgin Clubhouse. This lounge is enormous, with a hot tub, hair salon and endless alcoves to sitting, drinking and eating. There is a deli with smoked salmon, salads, meats, pies and breads for quick snacks. Or you can order from a menu at your alcove with choices from grilled asparagus with Parmesan to chicken masala with naan, rice pilaf chutneys and papadum. There is a free show shine service, a pool table, full bar with premium spirits, places to nap even near the virtual fireplace. Besides the hair salon there are massages, facials and hot stone treatments - all for the asking. It is one airport lounge that is hard to leave. But boarding the A340 Virgin Atlantic flown between Los Angeles and London - things continue to go up. Upper Class has a bar with good Champagne, 12 year old single malt Scotch and lovely barmaids. With the purple glowing lights, reflective mirrors and sleek design it is more like a nightclub than an aircraft. The Upper Class section of the aircraft is configured with 45 pods - a seat that totally reclines into a bed and is outfitted with the Virgin entertainment system jammed with movies, TV shows, games and music. The pods face away from the window which is a bit odd for those who like to watch the world fly by. But after awhile and a little Champagne with snacks makes watching the TV as enticing. The weakest link on Virgin is the in-flight food. The tomato soup tasted like Campbell's tomato juice heated with a couple of slices of onion. The filet was flavorless and the chickpea patties where boring. The best was the clotted cream cheese cake and the cheese and biscuits. Better to eat at the Cowshed. Purple lights everywhere - even in the loo, makes the aircraft really cool - especially when flying at night. One of the best ways to see London all in one turn of the head is at Gavin at Windows at the top of the Hilton Hotel in Hyde Park. A lively bar with great Pimms Cup #1. To step back in London's history, Rules restaurant is the oldest restaurant in London dating back to 1798. The food is old English (meats, game and Yorkshire pudding) with a rich historic feeling. Royal China on Baker Street, a recommendation from a fine foodie friend named Rana. is great for dim sum. From shrimp with fresh herbs, to noodles with beef and sweet buns, delicious Dim Sum is served all day long. Down the street from Buckingham palace (or Buck house) is Signor Sassi in Knightsbridge. This is a lively Italian restaurant that keeps hoping into the early morning hours making it a good after theater destination. Nice rocket salad, carpaccio of beef and pasta. Especially tasty was the flaming gelato. A hidden gem of a pub, even unknown to many Londoners is the Cow in Nottinghill. Contrary to the name, The Cow specializes in seafood including Irish rock oysters, Langoustine and dressed crab. I never imagined that oysters go with Guinness beer but at the Cow it is the match of choice. Nozomi on Beauchamp Place is a 3-level building with a hip DJ and amazing sushi and sashimi. The crowd is hip and young and the service is friendly and professional. Make sure to taste the salmon sashimi which melts in your mouth. Beyond dining a great experience is to get a shave at Truefitt & Hill in St. James's. They have been grooming gents since 1805 and have keep the male members of the Royal Family looking regal. Once you look like a million pounds it's a good time to check out the crown jewels at the Tower of London. where they have been kept since 1303. The lines to get in can be long but fortunately there are resident ravens to watch and the regular regalia of the British guards. Earlier this year Harrods was sold by Mohamed Al-Fayed to Qatar holdings for 1.5 billion pounds. Traveling up the Egyptian escalator there are opera singers making the shopping experience cultural retail therapy. Another great shopping expedition can be had along Portabello Road on Saturday mornings when shops with multiple stalls show their wares. Many antiques from across the country turn up at this upscale flea market and bargains and visual entertainment abound. London continues to be one of the world's greatest cities. With the likes of Sir Richard Branson bringing visitors to England and beyond on Virgin, Britain's future looks very bright.